The New Plot Playwrights Award Winners Announced

Following a special 2-week season which showcased the work of 6 shortlisted playwrights, Actors Centre Australia and 107 are thrilled to announce Christine Davey as the overall winner of The New Plot Playwrights Award as well as the 2 People's Choice awards going to performer Cecilia Morrow and playwright Steven McCall.

Launched in September of last year by Emmy Award nominee and New Plot ambassador, Gale Edwards, The New Plot Writers Award is passionate about bringing new Australian stories to the stage and create opportunities and support for local playwrights to achieve their creative dreams.

The New Plot judging panel of industry experts Dean Carey, Philip Quast and Stephen Sewell judged the 6 finalist scripts each of which were shortlisted as unexpected, unconventional, risk-taking works that represent the diversity of Australia through rich and engaging text. However, The Last Tiger, a play about identity - large, small and middling, stood out for the judges who recognise the play's complexity, edge and potential for clear development into a full-length script. The New Plot judging panel member and ACA Chairman, Dean Carey says of the winning work. "this piece is ready for a fuller life...the striking play fulfils all of the criteria of an engaging and taut night in the theatre.". Carey also says of all 6 finalist scripts, "It was a close call as the final 6 plays all had depth and engagement and were fuelled by wonderful writing. Audiences were intrigued by them all.".

As The New Plot overall winner, Christine Davey will receive:

• $10,000 cash
• a 4-week artist's residency at The Bundanon Trust to develop the script into a full length play
• featured in the 107 Presents 2018 program with a full 3-week season with rehearsal time, development space and an industry night.

Davey says of her win and The New Plot initiative, "I am overwhelmed and thrilled. To have work acknowledged is one thing, but to have it nurtured and supported all the way to production is an absolute gift.".

In addition to Christine Davey's win, two People's Choice Awards have also been announced. Audiences voted each night of The New Plot season and have awarded Cecilia Morrow the People Choice Award for best performer. Cecilia will receive $1,000 worth of rehearsal/performance space at 107. Audiences also chose Steven McCall's work Safekeeping as the winner of the People's Choice award for best play. Steven will receive $1000 cash.

Following the huge success of The New Plot in its inaugural year, Actors Centre Australia and 107 have confirmed that the award will return in 2018 to once again give local, Australian playwrights a vehicle for getting their work recognised and nourished.

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